GRADUATE FASHION WEEK SHAY D PETER JENSEN FESTIVALS ALEX PRITCHARD

NORTHERN LIGHTS
Northumbria University remains
a cauldron of talent, discovers
SAMANTHA JAGGER.
Truman Brewery boasted an array of fresh talent last year, which
will no doubt be echoed by upcoming trends. For Northumbria
University it held extra significance, marking sixty years of
presenting young designers’ collections on the catwalk.
Northumbria University not only provides a pathway for academic
excellence, but also offers the ultimate platform for fashion design
students. Household names such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy
Hilfiger and Givenchy headhunt Northumbria’s graduates. With
a whopping 97% of graduates going into full-time employment
in under a year, this university is one to be reckoned with.
The north-eastern support shone throughout the shows. Global
catwalk photographer, Chris Moore, gave words of wisdom to his
fellow Northumbrian students - he was given an honorary award
for his creativity back in 2013. Students were clearly proud to
exhibit their designs, united as a university.
“Northumbria fashion
graduates have become
widely recognised by
the industry for their
talents and skills in
creative communication,
craftsmanship, design and
manufacture and, most
importantly, individuality;
a Northumbria trait.”
Programme leader Kristen Pickering spoke of the University’s
renowned charisma, “Northumbria fashion graduates have
become widely recognised by the industry for their talents and
skills in creative communication, craftsmanship, design and
manufacture and, most importantly, individuality; a Northumbria
trait.”
Amid the birthday balloons and glitz, Northumbria’s 23 students
took to the catwalks to showcase innovations. Not only were
there celebrations for the chic and kooky, but admiration was
also reserved for those versatile collections featuring more utility.
Annie Mckie, enthused by the west coast of Scotland’s seas and
maritime, exhibited a sustainable approach to her menswear line,
securing a place in the ‘ones to watch’.
The variation of inspiration seen from the University was wide.
Film director Federico Fellini’s circus and Catholic themes
played a part in Victoria Barwood’s garments. Representing the
excellence of expertise, Billie Toole’s collection showed her talent
for pattern cutting and knitting, while Caroline Spratt presented
First World War military motifs.
La Bourse 1968
Chris Moore - Archive